If you value traditional courtesies combined with a warm welcome from people who know how to have a good time, then Barbados is the place for you. Come find an island steeped in history, with beaches that seem to never end, and discover some of the finest water sport opportunities in the Caribbean.

 

Found in the most easterly side of the Caribbean islands in the Lesser Antilles the English speaking island of  Barbados is 21 miles long and 14 miles wide and some 270 miles (434 Kilometers) north-east  of Venezuela, South America.  Barbados divides itself into 11 parishes and each holds their own distinct character.

Barbados is mostly a flat island particularly along the South and West regions where the white and pinkish-sandy beaches border the calm Caribbean Sea.  In contrast however, is land along the East and North coasts, where it is higher with ragged cliffs and rolling hills against which the Atlantic Ocean crashes over its rocky shores. From there the terrain gently rises to the central inland regions highest point  Mount Hillaby at 1116 ft (340 m),  thereupon then cascades down into rolling hills and gullies,  prompting many to nickname the country's northern region 'Scotland'. The county is also affectionately known as 'Little England', as a certain Britishness prevails, from place names, to driving on the left, and the commonly enjoyed- afternoon tea.
 
The constant breeze of the trade winds provides Barbados with a mild and pleasant tropical climate and as Barbados is a coral island with a coast almost entirely encircled with coral reefs, stunning snorkeling and diving experiences abound.
 
Barbados Real Estate
Over its 166 square miles Barbados is home to some of the most magnificent Caribbean properties from:  beach front estates and villas to inland real estate with views as well as a marina community, David Lloyd tennis community and Golf Club community with courses designed by such as Tom Fazio and Robert Trent Jones Jr.  And land and property are available without restrictions to non-nationals; although a non-Barbadian buyer must first get permission from the Central Bank of Barbados, this step is merely a formality. Further, non-nationals can get up to 70% financing via First Caribbean Bank or Barbados National Bank.   Other island banks on the island are Butterfield Bank, Scotiabank, Bank Barbados and Royal Bank of Canada. All have branches across the island and offer a range of personal and business services as well as ATM.  The Barbados dollar (Bds$) is set at 2:1 to the U.S. dollar.
 
As in anywhere, the price of real estate in Barbados varies considerably according to location and size of the property.  Beachfront naturally on the island is at a premium and so prices mirror this particularly on the West Coast where the fine white and pinkish beaches and pristine Caribbean Sea is.  In an answer to this high demand for oceanfront views here, a large number of new condominium developments have come to be; some of which are priced under $1 million. The west coast has a long track record for high end property values and solid property investments and thus has even been referred to as the Platinum Coast. There are more affordable opportunities to invest in the South Coast with prices for a studio beachfront condos starting at $175,000; and with several projects planned to build luxury oceanfront apartments, the market there is opening up even more.  The water may not be as calm as in the west coast but then neither is the night life and the beaches are just as fabulous and there is ample duty free shopping as well.  The eastern side of the island faces the Atlantic Ocean and is much more rugged. The wind blows in off the ocean, making it a little cooler and the terrain provides few beaches and thus activity, however prices there are lower and the views of the sunrise magnificent not to mention the tranquility serene.
 
In the interior of Barbados, country estates and plantation homes as an alternative to beachfront living is a wonderful choice and has become increasingly more popular. These homes can offer some dramatic views.  Then for traditional Barbadian-style homes in residential areas, prices range from $200,000 for a 3 bedroom in St Philip or the southeast of the island to $650,000 for a 4 bedroom in St George in the mid south.

As you see Barbados provides a comprehensive selection of real estate opportunities and location choices for any discerning vacation home buyer and with many a lifestyle choice.  So from a 10 bedroom on the water estate home to a three bedroom villa or a studio apartment, there will be a property to suit.   And as many properties are sold fully furnished, purchasing and moving into your vacation home in Barbados gets even easier.
 
If you opt to build your own home, it will cost anywhere from $150-300 per sq ft depending on the finishes chosen.
 
And there is further appeal to your new vacation home in Barbados as it is also a great source of income for holiday rentals to other holiday seekers.  Your Real Estate Agent can take care of all the property management needs, market your property for rent to their already long list of repeat island visitors and ensure your home is well taken care of and ready for you upon your return.
 
Barbados is a fast developing country with a steady growth in the economy and a continual rise in real estate prices and is one of the most successful international real estate markets globally. And as an independent state in the Commonwealth and a legal system based upon English common law where ownership rights are ingrained and the UK remains the final court of appeal; one can buy in Barbados with great peace of mind. Barbados also provides a suitable environment for business and investment with many international tax and investment protection treaties and Offshore Banking opportunities such as the International Business Company ("IBC"), Barbados has become known as a “premiere business centre for the provision of high-quality international business and financial services and a regional hub for business”.
 
Contributing to this economic climate is the ease of getting to Barbados.  The islands newly upgraded and expanded Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) receives direct international flights by several major airlines from the US, Canada, Europe and South America, as well as several smaller regional commercial airlines and charters and is also a Hub for the Eastern Caribbean. The Airport is on the southern end of the island, making it convenient to the south and southeast coasts, although getting around this small island is by no means difficult, particularly with a main causeway that effectively connects the south to the north.
 
On a word of note, buying a property in Barbados with funds from another country you will need to register bringing these funds into Barbados.  There are strict laws on this in order for you to be able to take the money out of Barbados in the future.
 
Barbados is found just outside the principal hurricane strike zone due to its far eastern location in the Atlantic Ocean so it is consistently spared from the worst effects of the Caribbean’s tropical storms and hurricanes.
 
So with an island that has its very own gold coast for swimmers, aptly named after its fabulous sands, visitors are attracted from all over the world to take part in windsurfing, surfing and sail boarding competitions. Sports fans can also play golf and tennis and watch some of the world's best cricketers. Also highlighted is the biggest annual event in Barbados; the Crop Over Festival, celebrating the harvest of sugar cane, formerly the island's main industry. The five-week summer celebration is a fiesta of colourful floats, parades and people in costume, dancing and enjoying themselves to the background of music and fireworks: a festival for all to enjoy.
 
It is just not surprising then that the Barbados warm climate, social and political stability, friendly people and wide range of activities along with some of the most stunning properties makes Barbados the perfect place to return to time and again to enjoy…So come to Barbados where your own Bajan vacation home awaits.